Young Professional Officer (Monitoring and Evaluation, Hand-in-Hand Initiative)

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, for Better production, Better nutrition, Better environment and Better life, leaving no one behind.

The Hand-in-Hand Initiative (HIHI) is a flagship initiative of the FAO Director-General to bring together major partners to support accelerated, scaled-up action to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Initiative targets the poorest – the poorest people in the poorest countries and in countries with large poor populations, as well as countries in food crisis.

Its specific focus is to work with FAO Member Nations to provide data and analysis to identify inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems to eradicate poverty and malnutrition and reduce inequality within and among nations. Hand-in-Hand (HIH) partners agree to support a science- and evidence-based programme of actions, partnerships and investment to unlock local and international market opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth. To date, 45 countries have requested support under the Initiative and several additional countries are qualified to participate as beneficiaries.

The Senior Coordinator (Governance and Policy Support), in the Governance Unit (DDCG), is responsible for the global coordination of the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, under the Office of the Chief Economist (DDCE). The Hand-in-Hand Global Coordination team consists of a small interdisciplinary team of professionals with broad and constantly evolving responsibilities that reflect the challenges and dynamism of the Initiative.

Reporting Lines

The Young Professional Officer reports to the Senior Coordinator, Governance and Policy Support, through the seconded officer responsible for Hand-in-Hand Programme Monitoring and Oversight.

Technical Focus

The Young Professional Officer will support the development, implementation and continual improvement of the HIHI signature monitoring and evaluation system. Additional assignments will depend on the incumbent’s particular matching of skills and interests with HIHI Programme needs at both country and global levels.

Key Results

Research, technical analysis and project related services to support the delivery of assigned projects, products and services.

Key Functions

• Analyses relevant technical social, economic, environmental, and technology information, data and/or statistics for input in various documents;

• Maintains records and updates databases and web pages;

• Provides technical support to various projects;

• Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars etc.;

• Participates in the organization and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners. 

Specific Functions

• Contributes to the overall process of planning, designing and disseminating information and other knowledge-related digital and non-digital products and outreach materials for HIH, with a focus on programmes in participating countries;

• Supports the development and implementation of a communication and visibility plan in order to enhance the overall understanding and visibility of HIH;

• Participates in the development and rollout of training of HIH, both within FAO as well as with stakeholders;

• Drafts and edits technical and policy-related materials;

• Maintains database with relevant information for each participating country;

• Performs other duties as required.
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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture, agronomy, business administration, development, climate and earth sciences, economics, law, political science and public administration.

• One year of relevant experience project/programme management, monitoring and evaluation

• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

Proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Familiarity with a dashboard visualization software is considered an asset, but not required.

Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.

Extent and relevance of experience in preparing high-quality materials for a wide variety of audiences and in producing knowledge products.

Demonstrated ability to draft reports and briefs and proven ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in English

Working knowledge of French is an asset.

NB Please note that candidates should be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application.